PPRP Episode 2 First step in learning the bagpipes. Practice Chanter

On this episode I discuss, after you have decided your going to learn to play the Great Highland Bagpipes, what is the first step you should take to, physically begin learning, acquire a practice chanter. I address what is a practice chanter, the different makes and models, and how much you should pay for one. Additionally I explained what are the different features available and what to look for when purchasing reeds for the chanter.

Purchasing a practice chanter is a big first step on the long and glorious road to learning the bagpipes as you are committing a small though not insignificant amount of money. That investment will pay off greatly through the years that follow, opening the doors to all the fun and comradery that comes with your progression as a piper. So soak it in and enjoy.

Thanks for listening! I’d love any feedback if you would be so kind as to share your thoughts and experiences. Thinks about piping? Was this helpful? Been piping for years? Let me know what I got wrong.

Thanks again! Chris

• Get a practice chanter
  • Double reed instrument
  • Wood vs ploy
• Different brands
  • Gibson
  • Gorden tuck
  • MacCallum
  • And others
• Don’t buy a cheap wood chanter
  • They don’t play
• Around $100 for a chanter
• Different sizes
  • Child
  • Regular
  • Long
• Demonstration of what it sounds like
• Flush holes vs double sunk
• Sole
• Reeds
  • Double reed
  • Fits in chamber
  • $5-$20
  • Hard vs easy reeds
• Instruction books
• 9 notes
• Learn the scales
• Learn 5 tunes before you think about buy a full set of pipes
• Electric practice chanter
  • $600